Question & AnswerQ&A (MIA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 41-A)
Certificates of competency issued before 22 May 1984 by the Professional Regulations Commission for deck and engine officers and by the National Telecommunications Commission for radio operators/officers are recognized as valid for service, subject to application and payment of the appropriate fee for endorsement.
Only seafarers performing deck or engine watchkeeping duties, aged at least 18, medically fit, with the required sea service and training, as well as other specified certifications, are eligible to be issued Ratings Certificates.
For deck department, six months on a vessel of at least 250 GRT as part of navigational watch; for engine department, one year on a vessel with engine power of 750 KW as part of engine watch.
Officers must submit their licenses authenticated by the issuing agency, health certificate, Seaman's Book showing required sea service, STCW training certificates, and other documents deemed necessary by MARINA.
They must immediately report to MARINA and apply for a replacement by submitting an affidavit and paying the appropriate fee.
Certificates must be revalidated at intervals not exceeding five years, subject to medical fitness, professional competence, and proof of recent approved sea-going service or equivalent.
The person shall be disqualified to practice their profession, face criminal prosecution under the Revised Penal Code, and an administrative penalty of P20,000.
First infraction: P100,000 fine; second infraction: P200,000 fine and 1-month suspension of company license; third infraction: cancellation of company license. Officials may also face criminal prosecution under the Revised Penal Code.
Seafarers may apply in person, or shipping companies and manning agencies through their liaison officers may apply on their behalf, with required documents or affidavits guaranteeing veracity if incomplete.
The fee is P200.00 per certificate.